Child Custody Concerns for Young Parents

 Posted on July 12, 2024 in Child Custody

People who have children at a young age often find that their child’s other parent is not the person they want to spend the rest of their life with. Sometimes the young parents are able to maintain a friendly co-parenting relationship even as they go their separate ways. Sometimes, the split is not so amicable, especially in cases where there is a significant age gap or power imbalance between the mother and father. Young parents often have a different set of concerns than older parents who are already established in their careers and experienced in managing a household. Parents who are young adults need an experienced DuPage County, IL parenting plans attorney to help them create a successful co-parenting arrangement that is tailored to their individual needs.

What Young Parents Should Consider While Making a Parenting Plan

A few special considerations that might affect young co-parents include:

• Planning around class schedules - Parents who are already well-established in a career usually have a steady work schedule. Young parents who are still in college or trade school might have a less regular schedule. Your schedule might change each semester, or you might have evening classes only two nights per week. You may want to build some flexibility into your parenting time arrangement. 
• Grandparent and family involvement - It is quite common for young parents to live with their own parents or other family members. Multigenerational living can provide young parents with extra support and steady childcare and children with more stability. However, not all grandparents or relatives can provide a safe household for young children. You will want to consider things like whether your co-parent’s parents are willing to follow modern, safe sleep guidelines and whether they smoke inside. 
• Any power imbalance between parents - If both parents are about the same age and were dating when their child was conceived, there may be no issue. However, if one parent is significantly older than the other or was in a position of trust or authority, it is especially important to have your lawyer act to reduce this imbalance during mediation and to make sure that your child is safe. 
• Preparing for future modifications - Young parents are often in a transitional period in life. Their current living situations and employment statuses are likely temporary. You will want to consider the likelihood that you will need future modifications when you each establish your own households, get married, or start careers after finishing school. 

Contact a Wheaton, IL Parenting Plans Attorney

Andrew Cores Family Law Group is committed to helping young parents create successful plans for co-parenting. Our dedicated DuPage County, IL child custody lawyers work together on each case to provide creative and flexible representation. Contact us at 630-871-1002 for a complimentary consultation.